Wednesday, October 31, 2007

We had a fun evening tonight as a family. Caleb dressed up as Anakin Skywalker, Josiah as a zebra, and Levi as a bear. We took a few pictures in our front yard and then headed to a nearby church for their fall festival. Caleb loved every minute of it. Josiah enjoyed parts of it. He cried on the merry-go-round (it was a very rough start to the ride) and they had to stop the ride for him to get off. We decided to steer clear of the real ponies this year just in case Josiah got scared on one of them too. Levi enjoyed watching everything going on and being snuggled up in the sling. I thought we would be staying at least a couple of hours. However, Caleb won a fish in one of the games and was ready to go home. No one else protested. So, we went for dinner and then we came back home.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

I wasn't too sure if we would make it to the Pumpkin Patch this year due to the fires, more specifically the poor air quality. We had planned to go last week but ended up going today. One of the best parts was that Daddy was able to get away from the office to join us for a couple of hours. It was a wonderful treat for the boys to have Daddy with us. With Daddy along, our pictures always turn out better too. Caleb was in search for the perfect pumpkin as well as looking forward to the petting zoo since he loves animals. Josiah was so excited. Before we left the house, he kept demonstrating how he was going to pick up a big pumpkin and that it was going to be heavy, complete with sound effects for lifting a heavy pumpkin. Josiah found a pumpkin pretty fast and Caleb found his shortly after. However, when we were about to pay and I picked up a tiny pumpkin for Levi, Josiah decided he wanted the tiny pumpkin instead of his pumpkin. He was all set to leave the bigger one behind, but Kerry said to get both. I'm sure he would have been disappointed when he didn't have a pumpkin to carve tomorrow. All in all, we had a very fun family afternoon.

I was so proud of the way Caleb took care of Josiah in the petting zoo. Josiah was a little hesitant and Caleb held him for awhile and then stayed close to him until he was comfortable with the animals.

I think Levi knows he cute.

My four handsome boys.

The sun was pretty bright and they were all trying to keep their eyes open.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Cupp's Drive InWhenever I'm in Waco, I love to go and eat at this little "hole in the wall." My Dad introduced me to this place when I was a young girl, and I've enjoyed introducing it to each of my boys. This was Levi's first time at Cupp's so a picture was definitely in order.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch

Baylor Football GameThe picture of Josiah is the only picture we got of him without a terrified look on his face. He was so scared of the fireworks.

Visit with Granny

Fun Times

State Fair of Texas

My Mom sent me a cd with the pictures from our trip on it. Thanks, Mom!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

On every channel, there is something about the fires here in California. We're surrounded by the fires, but we're safe. But it has also hit close to home. A family in our small group spent some time at our house yesterday because the fire was so close to their house. It was hard to believe as we sat in front of the television how close the fire actually was to their house. Whenever I've heard of a natural disaster occurring, I've truly felt for the families, but when I start knowing exactly where specific roads are located, it makes the situation a whole lot more real. We can even look out our windows and see the smoke in the air.

The boys and I have been inside pretty much ever since Sunday night, especially Levi. One of the news stations mentioned if you had a heart defect to stay inside. Kerry has been great running to the store if we need something. I've let the other two out back for a few minutes at a time but I can tell that they would love to spend all day outside after being indoors for so long. We're thanking God for our safety and praying for those families that can't go to their homes right now or have lost their homes. We're also praying for the fire fighters and others who are working so hard to control the fires and who are organizing relief efforts.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Levi is now almost seven and a half months. He is still as precious as ever! The Tuesday before we went to Texas, Levi was supposed to have his six month check up (a little late due to delays in shots). Our doctor ended up not being able to make it since he was testifying in court. The good news is he discounted our next visit since I didn't find out until I arrived. I had the nurse take his measurements before we left. At almost seven months, Levi weighed 19 pounds, 11 ounces and was 28 inches long. We finally had his six month check up this past Monday. Overall, he looks great! Dr. Bob was impressed that he woke up so happy from his nap when he entered the room. His heart defect (Ventricular Septal Defect) is still there and there has been no change but it hasn't slowed him down. The doctor did recommend the flu shot for him due to his heart defect. If he caught a bad case of the flu it could cause stress on the heart. We'll return in two weeks for 2 shots and four weeks later for another 2. On a side note, our doctor is releasing a new book, The Vaccine Book, next week. This is something I would never have been interested in in the past, but I'm really looking forward to reading this book.Levi tried solid foods for the first time this past Monday. Lets just say, he tolerated the pureed bananas and thought the cup was a great teething toy. He didn't fuss but he had a horrible face each time the bananas or water got into his mouth. I'll probably wait another week or two and then try something different. He'll probably go to finger foods rather quickly like Josiah did. His two bottom teeth are coming in well. He loves to crawl and sit up. Bath time is really fun for him now that he can sit up on his own. Josiah thinks it's really fun too that they can be in the bath tub alone now. He loves his big brothers and if he gets upset while playing, they are quick to cheer him up. He's changing everyday.

Monday, October 15, 2007

We're back! The boys and I got back to California Saturday afternoon and have been busy ever since. We had about 45 minutes at home before Kerry took us to watch dirt bikes. I was kind of tired so I can't even remember the name of the event. All I know is that it was a Christian outreach and the boys loved seeing Kyle Loza and some of the other guys so lots of different jumps on their dirt bikes. Sunday, I spent time trying to unpack and then it was time for Caleb's baseball game followed by church. Today, we started school back up, took Levi for his 6 month check up (saving for another post) and have attempted to finish unpacking.

We had such a fun time on our trip! We were busy pretty much everyday, but enjoyed every minute. We arrived in Texas on October 3rd and were greeted at the airport by my mom (Josiah stayed awake the entire time). After dropping off our stuff at my parents' house, we picked Brock up and went for a late dinner.

Morning came quick when we were on the road by 9am (7am California time) and went to San Antonio with my Dad. We stayed at the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch which was fantastic. Levi's first tooth broke through on Thursday and Caleb lost his second top tooth that same day. We planned to go to Sea World that Friday, but it was closed. Instead, we took the boys to the Natural Bridge Caverns in the morning, swam in the afternoon, and played miniature golf that evening. Saturday, we headed back up to Waco to visit the zoo and see a Baylor football game. Josiah was terrified of the fireworks and barely moved the entire game. I felt so sorry for him.

Sunday, we went to RyAnn's church and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with family. It was so nice to be back for Sunday lunch again. Monday, my mom, sister, and I attempted to take all five boys shopping. For taking five boys, it was a successful trip. Tuesday morning, the boys and I headed to Gladewater to spend a few days with Kerry's mom. We enjoyed relaxing at her house, doing a little shopping, and playing with the boys. We wished we could have brought her back with us.

Friday, my parents, RyAnn and her boys, my boys and I all went to the State Fair of Texas. I can't ever remember going so this was a first for almost all of us. We all had a great time eating food, riding a couple of rides, and seeing the animals. Nana even got a few Christmas presents bought too. And Saturday found us headed back to see Daddy. So, that is the condensed version of our trip. Unfortunately, my camera broke before we left for Texas. It is now fixed. I borrowed my mom's camera while we were there, but there were problems uploading the pictures to a cd. I tried to put them on here from Shutterfly, but they were too small to even see. If I figure out how to make them larger, I will post them.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Sorry Steph, but I just had to post this pic. Love Ya Babe! Hope you and the boys are having a great time in Texas with Granddaddy, Nana, and Granny. Can't wait to have you guys back on the west coast.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

In less than 24 hours, the boys and I will be in Texas! We are all excited, especially Josiah. He's really starting to understand more about traveling. I will be traveling with all three boys alone, but I've done it before and I'm not too worried. We all still fit in three seats. We've got a busy week and a half. I'm not sure if I will even check my email until I get home.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Here is the cake Caleb made. He was so proud of his first cake. He did everything in green. Not bad for a seven year old.

Josiah and Caleb with Daddy as he opens his gifts

We couldn't leave Levi out.

Today Kerry turned 37 years old! The boys were so excited that it was Daddy's birthday that they could hardly wait until after breakfast to let him open his gifts. They showed him his birthday cake too and were all prepared to eat it when I told them the cake would wait until later. Happy birthday Daddy! We love you!

Our Family

About Me

I am a homeschooling, stay at home wife and mom with an amazing husband and 4 wonderful boys ages 15, 9, 8, and 6. We are originally from Texas - spent 2 and a half years in California, 1 and a half in Florida, and 2 and a half more years in California before returning to Texas.